The Use of the Nurse’s Personal Communication Device(S) Impacts on Patient Care
The first and most crucial benefit of using personal communication devices in patient care are that it has the potential of enhancing performance. This means that it improves the performance of the nurse. According to Armentia (2013) the other advantage of using these devices is that it lowers the failure to respond rate in the clinical setting. In other words, this is a clear indication that the devices enhance the response time leading to the delivery of quality services. As well, it is profound to note that the devices increase the capacity to access information and communications. In the case of information, the devices can help in research that in the long run improves the performance of the nurses.
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On the downside, these devices can have a negative implication on the side of the patient. One of the most discussed challenges is that the device can contribute to the transfer of bacteria to the sterile environments. This means that the devices can contribute to the contamination of the clinical equipment putting a risk on patient’s safety. As well, the devices can cause distractions when the nurses and physicians are performing demanding clinical tasks.
The Ethical and Legal Implications
Armentia (2013) asserts that one of the major ethical and legal concerns of using these devices is professionalism. The users of these devices should be professional as much as possible to avoid the negative implications of using the device. For instance, the nurses are encouraged to use the devices for personal reasons such as visiting social media platforms or texting. As well, the health care professionals must ensure that they protect the privacy and confidentiality of the patients.
The professional literature emphasizes that the healthcare professionals should be keen when utilizing these devices to maximize its benefits. There are several ways in which healthcare providers can breach patient confidentiality. For instance, taking videos and photos using the devices amounts to privacy breach since the patient may not be conscious. Thus, as much as these devices enhance productivity and service quality, the healthcare providers should mind the safety and the privacy of the patients.
- Armentia, S. (2013). Benefits and Risks of Mobile Device Use during Patient Care. American Association of Nurse Anesthetics (ANNA).
